Viral moments of the Olympics: from the flag bearer from Tonga to funny failures
24 july 2024 в 09:13
The Olympic Games are a global stage not only for sporting excellence, but also for unforgettable moments that captivate audiences worldwide. Over the years, many Olympians have become viral sensations on social media thanks to their unique, emotional, and sometimes unexpected moments.
Among these viral sensations is Pita Nicolas Taufatofua, a taekwondo participant and flag bearer from Tonga, who caught the attention of viewers with his oiled body at three different opening ceremonies.
Other sports stars have gone viral, showing their true feelings in the moment. American gymnast McKayla Maroney became famous for her unimpressed face during her silver medal victory at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Similarly, American swimmer Michael Phelps made waves with his intense face before the 200-meter butterfly semifinal at the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016.
Captured moments also remind us that not everything always goes according to plan. For example, a squirrel ran across the slopes during the women’s parallel giant slalom competition at the PyeongChang Olympic Games in 2018. Another memorable incident occurred during the opening ceremony of the Sochi Games in 2014, when an electronic snowflake that was supposed to expand into an Olympic ring froze and did not work as expected.
While fans eagerly await the start of the games, especially to see their favorites like Simone Biles and Coco Gauff, they won’t have to wait long, as the Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8.
But to entertain us in the meantime, here is our list of the best moments, those that have become memes and more.
Pita Taufatofua, the infamous Tongan flag bearer, returned for his third Olympic Games. #TokyoOlympics x #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/f303RYdQfo
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 24, 2021
Unfortunately, Pita Taufatofua will not be the flag bearer at the Paris Games this summer, as he «failed» to qualify in both kayaking and taekwondo.
In an apology to fans, explaining his future absence, he wrote: «Sorry, Paris, the five gallons of extra-virgin coconut oil I stocked up on 'might' have to wait ;)».
— Caitlin Kelly (@caitlin__kelly) August 9, 2016
And that was just one of the moments with Phelps…
— Kendra Gaylord (@kendragaylord) August 10, 2016
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 24, 2018
— Olympics (@Olympics) September 29, 2021
— Gawker (@Gawker) February 7, 2014
Ellie Raisman’s parents, Rick and Lynn Raisman, first went viral at the London Olympics in 2012 when they were caught nervously scratching their chairs while their daughter, a gymnast, competed for gold.
— bobgearing. eth 🦁👑 (@BobGearing) August 10, 2016
While Rick told USA Today that he was «a little horrified», - he continued to bring the same energy to the Rio Olympics in 2016, where Ellie — who won two golds and a bronze in London — brought home another gold medal and two silvers.
— American Olympian Johnny Quinn (@JohnnyQuinnUSA) February 8, 2014
Quinn was in his bathroom at the Olympic Village in Sochi when the door jammed. Apparently, he got out.
— Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) August 15, 2016
— CJ Fogler’s account may or may not be known (@cjzero) August 18, 2016
Among these viral sensations is Pita Nicolas Taufatofua, a taekwondo participant and flag bearer from Tonga, who caught the attention of viewers with his oiled body at three different opening ceremonies.
Other sports stars have gone viral, showing their true feelings in the moment. American gymnast McKayla Maroney became famous for her unimpressed face during her silver medal victory at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Similarly, American swimmer Michael Phelps made waves with his intense face before the 200-meter butterfly semifinal at the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016.
Captured moments also remind us that not everything always goes according to plan. For example, a squirrel ran across the slopes during the women’s parallel giant slalom competition at the PyeongChang Olympic Games in 2018. Another memorable incident occurred during the opening ceremony of the Sochi Games in 2014, when an electronic snowflake that was supposed to expand into an Olympic ring froze and did not work as expected.
While fans eagerly await the start of the games, especially to see their favorites like Simone Biles and Coco Gauff, they won’t have to wait long, as the Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8.
But to entertain us in the meantime, here is our list of the best moments, those that have become memes and more.
Pita Taufatofua, the infamous Tongan flag bearer, returned for his third Olympic Games. #TokyoOlympics x #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/f303RYdQfo
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 24, 2021
Unfortunately, Pita Taufatofua will not be the flag bearer at the Paris Games this summer, as he «failed» to qualify in both kayaking and taekwondo.
In an apology to fans, explaining his future absence, he wrote: «Sorry, Paris, the five gallons of extra-virgin coconut oil I stocked up on 'might' have to wait ;)».
— Caitlin Kelly (@caitlin__kelly) August 9, 2016
And that was just one of the moments with Phelps…
— Kendra Gaylord (@kendragaylord) August 10, 2016
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 24, 2018
— Olympics (@Olympics) September 29, 2021
— Gawker (@Gawker) February 7, 2014
Ellie Raisman’s parents, Rick and Lynn Raisman, first went viral at the London Olympics in 2012 when they were caught nervously scratching their chairs while their daughter, a gymnast, competed for gold.
— bobgearing. eth 🦁👑 (@BobGearing) August 10, 2016
While Rick told USA Today that he was «a little horrified», - he continued to bring the same energy to the Rio Olympics in 2016, where Ellie — who won two golds and a bronze in London — brought home another gold medal and two silvers.
— American Olympian Johnny Quinn (@JohnnyQuinnUSA) February 8, 2014
Quinn was in his bathroom at the Olympic Village in Sochi when the door jammed. Apparently, he got out.
— Clint Smith (@ClintSmithIII) August 15, 2016
— CJ Fogler’s account may or may not be known (@cjzero) August 18, 2016
© Kolganov Andrey
